Wednesday, January 5, 2011

Outrage: Choice Between Home and Medical Marijuana Cancer Treatment - AARP Bulletin

Medical marijuana neon sign at a dispensary on...Image via Wikipedia
by: Michelle Diament | from: AARP Bulletin

When Robert Jones, 70, was diagnosed with cancer in 2007, he found little relief for the pain that came with his intensive chemotherapy treatments. That is, until his doctor prescribed medical marijuana, which not only eased the pain, but also helped to improve his appetite and limit anxiety.

Today, though Jones' cancer is in remission, he continues to use marijuana to stem the lingering effects of the illness. But he recently learned that the treatment could cost him his home.

In October, the Las Vegas, N.M., resident received a letter indicating that he would no longer be eligible for the federal housing voucher that helps cover his $400-a-month rent. The reason: Though Jones' use of medical marijuana is permitted in New Mexico, the drug is not legal at the federal level, wrote Gilbert Almanza Jr., executive director of the San Miguel County Section 8 Housing Program.

Jones appealed the decision, saying he didn't know what he would do without the voucher. He worried that he would be forced to live in a nursing facility.

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